Bawumia, the Only Right Choice for Ghana's Economic Development

This may probably be my last blog for this month and I am happy about the subject matter. 

In 2008, when Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was announced as the running mate of Nana Akufo-Addo, my reaction was along the lines of "no way, we don't this man but we'll support him anyway if that is what will win us the election". Many things were said about Dr. Bawumia including "he's a technocrat, we need a politician", "he has no political experience", etc. Other personal statements were made against him but Nana Akufo-Addo like the honourable gentleman he has always been rose to the defence of his chosen running mate and said emphatically "let not the sins of the father be visited upon the son". 

We went on to lose the election, albeit by the narrowest of margins. Dr. Bawumia was subsequently appointed as a visiting researcher at Oxford University. It was during his time at Oxford that I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know the man better. Oh yes, he was no politician but spoke very passionately about the promise of Ghana's economy. I was impressed and educated by our brief chat as he explained to me how easy and very possible it was to increase the GDP of Ghana just like our contemporary South Korea.

I returned to Ghana later that year and attended his book launch. Again, he demonstrated his passion for Ghana through his thorough research without blaming any preceding administration for our current shortfalls. He however suggested solutions to these problems, and I mean practical solutions to the problems we have in our economy. I thought to myself as he spoke "Nana needs this man, Ghana needs Bawumia". I subsequently heard rumours of his intended appointment. I know Nana Akufo-Addo's mind was made and there was no doubt who his obvious choice was going to be.

Dr. Bawumia joined the African Development Bank and was quickly sent to Zimbabwe to restructure its economy. We are all aware of the state in which the Zimbabwean economy was just a few years ago and the remarkable state in which it is now. A Zimbabwean lawyer friend of mine who works at the African Development Bank called me recently and this is what he had to say about Dr. Bawumia: "Ghana is really lucky to have a man with the expertise Dr. Bawumia has. I've heard he's going to be nominated as your vice presidential candidate. I hope Ghanaians make the right decision this time around."

So it came as no surprise that on his birthday, by calculated design, he announced to the National Council of Elders of the NPP his intention to retain Dr. Bawumia as his running mate for the 2012 election. His announcement was met with a resounding acclamation and unanimous endorsement of Dr. Bawumia. Unity was more than evident in the Party. To refer to Sammy Awuku's statement, "we have reflected on the reasons why we lost the 2008 elections and have rebuilt the Party based on those reflections. All that remains is to recapture power in election 2012."

I encourage all Party members to rally behind the ticket - Nana Addo Bawumia - and work diligently towards victory in the 2012 elections.